The Process

Photo credit: Run Wild Photography

First, are you eligible to get married?

The Requirements:

  • You must be of marriageable age

  • You must not be in a prohibited relationship

  • You must not already be married to someone else

  • You must both be consenting

So you tick all the boxes, and need to see if I’m free?

If I’m available on your ceremony date, we get to organise:

Our First Date :

Let’s set up a free, no-obligation meeting to chat more about what you want your special day to be like. This also gives us the opportunity to see if we're a match!

Photo credit: Will and Co Photography

Notice of Intended Marriage

The first legal paperwork to sign and have witnessed is the NOIM. You can have this witnessed and lodged directly with me at our follow up meeting, or you can have this witnessed by another authorised person [JP, GP, Police Officer, Solicitor, Notary Public, Minister of Religion or another Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant]. It can then be scanned and emailed to lodge it.

The NOIM must be lodged no later than 1 month before your ceremony date and no sooner than 18 months before your ceremony date.

I am also required to sight photo ID and proof of birth. Usually, a Passport will do the trick, but a combo of your Birth Certificate and Driver’s Licence is also great! If applicable, I may need to sight other ID documents such as proof of any prior marriages ending.

  • Good news! Australian law now allows couples to have their Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) witnessed remotely via video call, as well as in person. This means we can complete this important step together, even if we’re not in the same place.

    A couple of key things to know:

    • If you are in Australia, I (as your celebrant) can witness your NOIM over a video call.

    • If you are overseas, remote witnessing isn’t an option. In that case, you’ll need to have your NOIM witnessed in person by an approved authority (such as a notary public or consular official) in the country you’re in.

    If you’re not sure what applies to your situation, just ask - I’m here to guide you through it.

Photo credit: Benny Wylde

Ceremony Planning

A few months before your wedding day, I’ll ask you for all the juicy goss on your relationship; who you are, how you came to be, and what you’re looking forward to in your future together. I need to know who hogs the bed, who pours the beers, who’s the dog’s favourite - that’s some real marriage stuff right there!

We’ll also plan the flow and running order of your ceremony so it is perfectly ‘you’. There’s only a couple of things we are legally required to include, everything else is completely up to you! I love creating a balance of light-hearted fun and meaningful moments, so your ceremony reflects who you are as individuals, and together.

Rehearsal & Final Checks

The week of the wedding, we’ll get together for a final meeting / rehearsal to make sure everyone involved in your ceremony knows exactly what to do. This gives us the opportunity to finalise any details, calm any nerves, and sign the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage (DONLIM).

The DONLIM is essentially your last little checkpoint to say “yep, we are who we say we are and there’s no reason we can possibly think of that would be an impediment to our marriage”.

Photo credit: Will and Co Photography

Ceremony Time!

Before you know it, your day has arrived! I’ll be there nice and early to set up my PA and mingle with your other vendors. We’re all working together to ensure your ceremony is amazing. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the legal requirements we’ll need to carry out during your ceremony :

  • During the ceremony, I say:

    “I am legally registered to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

  • You say your legal vows:

    “I call upon the people here present, to witness that I, [full name], take you, [full name], to be my lawful wedded [husband / wife / partner in marriage / spouse].”

    If traditions are your thing, you can put a ring on it and share personal vows here too!

  • Then, You + Me + The (two good-looking) Witnesses will sign the certificates:

    • 1 x Official Certificate of Marriage - for my records

    • 1 x Official Certificate of Marriage - for BDM

    • 1 x Commemorative Certificate of Marriage - for you

And just like that, you’re officially married sweethearts!

Photo credit: Rexvil Photography

Post Ceremony

After your ceremony, I personally finalise all of your legal paperwork and lodge it with BDM on your behalf. You don’t need to worry about a thing - I’ve got it covered!

I’ll also apply and pay for your Official Certificate of Marriage for you. This is the legal document you'll need as proof of marriage; for example, if either of you plan to change your name or need to update identification.

The Commemorative (Form 15) Certificate you sign on the day and take home is a keepsake. It’s not valid for official use, but it will look exceptional framed next to your first-kiss photo for the next 50+ years!

Master of Ceremonies

In addition to celebrant services I also can act as the MC for your reception. I'll be the one to keep things running smoothly and make sure everyone has a blast! From introducing the wedding party to coordinating special moments like cake cutting and first dances, I've got it covered.

Plus, I'll keep the energy up with games and activities to get everyone involved. And when it's time to say goodbye, I'll send you off with heartfelt thanks and a memorable final dance.

Let's make your event unforgettable together!

Super easy!